

Then, have your child tell you what happens during time-out.

You may need to show your child several times so she can remember. Showing your child exactly what to do when you give a time-out can help the time-out go smoothly and be more likely to work. Explain time-out or show it to your child in a way she can understand.If your child does not follow your directions after one warning, time-out may be a good consequence. A time-out warning can help your child do as you directed.

Your child is more likely to follow your directions if she gets praise for following directions or consequences for not following the direction. Your child does not follow your direction after a warning.Make sure your child knows the family rules and understands that breaking the rules will mean a time-out. Remember that family rules are for those misbehaviors that are never okay. Your child does something harmful, like hurting another child.Ī time-out can help your child see that hurting others is never okay.īecause children know it is the consequence, a time-out warning is not used.Your child does something dangerous, like running in the street.Ī time-out in this situation gives your child a clear understanding that these behaviors are never okay.There are 4 times when time-out may be a good choice: If that doesn’t work, you can consider other discipline strategies, like removing an activity or toy your child likes. For toddlers and preschoolers, it is a good idea to try distraction and redirection first. When your child misbehaves, you can use a consequence of your choice. Delay or removal of privileges and time-out can be used to stop misbehavior. Behaviors that cannot be ignored or redirected with distraction should be followed by a consequence that will stop the misbehavior. Distracting your child with a toy or a song can help prevent or stop misbehavior. Some behaviors like crying or whining can be ignored. Time-out is not used for all misbehaviors. Time-out works to change problem behaviors because children don’t usually like to be bored. She cannot interact with her parents or anyone else. She does not get any attention in time-out. Your child is away from all things that are fun. Time-out is when your child is removed from where the misbehavior happened.
